Lufthansa NEW First Class DEN-FRA and five days in Poland
Jul 23, 2013 | 10:50 am
#121
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Sorry for the delay in finishing the report. Damn work gets in the way sometimes.
With prices like these, what's not to love about Poland? The Sheraton Mercedes to the airport for $24. Wow.
Not much traffic today on our 20 minutes drive to KRK. Hey, just like visiting San Francisco. LOL.
Other than that, nice scenery on the way.
Apparently Wroclaw got all the funds for a new airport, while KRK is stuck in the 70's.
Forgot to take a photo at the beginning of the maze but there were at least 15 zigzags despite no one in line.
The Business Lounge serves a slew of airlines, and looks like it hasn't seen an update for a long time.
Basic and uninspiring selection of snacks.
With prices like these, what's not to love about Poland? The Sheraton Mercedes to the airport for $24. Wow.
Not much traffic today on our 20 minutes drive to KRK. Hey, just like visiting San Francisco. LOL.
Other than that, nice scenery on the way.
Apparently Wroclaw got all the funds for a new airport, while KRK is stuck in the 70's.
Forgot to take a photo at the beginning of the maze but there were at least 15 zigzags despite no one in line.
The Business Lounge serves a slew of airlines, and looks like it hasn't seen an update for a long time.
Basic and uninspiring selection of snacks.
Last edited by SFO777; Jul 23, 2013 at 11:20 am
Jul 23, 2013 | 10:52 am
#122
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At around T-35, we left the calm Lounge and enter the crowded and chaotic departure area.
Got to watch Ryanair arrival and departure. That must be fun on rainy days.
KRK-FRA
Lufthansa 1365
A320
10:30A-12:15P
July 17, 2013
Business Class
Seats 1AC
Priority "boarding" for Business Class pax meant first on the bus. Once we loaded up, it was a short ride to our A320.
And the usual fraudulent European Business Class. Although we had originally been assigned 3AC, with only 5 J pax today, pleasant FA had no problem with us moving to the bulkhead, the only good seats on this plane.
Cold breakfast this morning consisting of cereal, cheese and fish (I think), pastry, warm breads, etc. Not great but better than Biscoff or a pass of the snack basket on similar length domestic US flights.
The fruit and almond snack after breakfast was actually pretty good.
With a 1:40PM FRA-DEN departure, our arrival time would largely dictate our next step, either FCT, FCL-B or directly to the gate. We arrived on time and as expected, parked at an apron position. Our decision became easy when a Mercedes van was waiting for us and one other F (EWR) pax.
Fortunately, our driver dropped us off at the lower entrance to Gate A0, the closest just outside of the last baggage claim carousel and door A1, the closet exit to the First Class Terminal. We exited the van at 12:23P...
And arrived at the First Class Terminal 6 minutes later, at 12:29P...
Got to watch Ryanair arrival and departure. That must be fun on rainy days.
KRK-FRA
Lufthansa 1365
A320
10:30A-12:15P
July 17, 2013
Business Class
Seats 1AC
Priority "boarding" for Business Class pax meant first on the bus. Once we loaded up, it was a short ride to our A320.
And the usual fraudulent European Business Class. Although we had originally been assigned 3AC, with only 5 J pax today, pleasant FA had no problem with us moving to the bulkhead, the only good seats on this plane.
Cold breakfast this morning consisting of cereal, cheese and fish (I think), pastry, warm breads, etc. Not great but better than Biscoff or a pass of the snack basket on similar length domestic US flights.
The fruit and almond snack after breakfast was actually pretty good.
With a 1:40PM FRA-DEN departure, our arrival time would largely dictate our next step, either FCT, FCL-B or directly to the gate. We arrived on time and as expected, parked at an apron position. Our decision became easy when a Mercedes van was waiting for us and one other F (EWR) pax.
Fortunately, our driver dropped us off at the lower entrance to Gate A0, the closest just outside of the last baggage claim carousel and door A1, the closet exit to the First Class Terminal. We exited the van at 12:23P...
And arrived at the First Class Terminal 6 minutes later, at 12:29P...
Jul 23, 2013 | 10:54 am
#123
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We were the only ones at security and were relaxing in our seats a couple minutes later, at 12:31PM. Just enough time to relax a bit and for a delicious snack.
At 1:10P, our PA came to get us, led us downstairs where we retrieved our passports and were introduced to our driver and today's silver S-Class.
A quick drive over to and under Gate Z19
And our escort under the gate, up the elevator at the jet bridge.
Into the jet bridge, where our driver cut the J line and escorted us in front of all the J pax where she handed us off to the FA at the door.
A right turn up the stairs and we "back home" where we were warmly welcomed by today's crew.
Once again, Lufthansa's ground services at FRA simply amaze. Many premium airlines have excellent inflight service but most fall down on the ground. Even Mrs. SFO is a believer and no longer questions why we are "leaving the building" to head for the FCT. Today got a double "this is the only way to go".
At 1:10P, our PA came to get us, led us downstairs where we retrieved our passports and were introduced to our driver and today's silver S-Class.
A quick drive over to and under Gate Z19
And our escort under the gate, up the elevator at the jet bridge.
Into the jet bridge, where our driver cut the J line and escorted us in front of all the J pax where she handed us off to the FA at the door.
A right turn up the stairs and we "back home" where we were warmly welcomed by today's crew.
Once again, Lufthansa's ground services at FRA simply amaze. Many premium airlines have excellent inflight service but most fall down on the ground. Even Mrs. SFO is a believer and no longer questions why we are "leaving the building" to head for the FCT. Today got a double "this is the only way to go".
Last edited by SFO777; Jul 23, 2013 at 6:11 pm
Jul 23, 2013 | 2:49 pm
#126
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Geneva, Dubai, Paris
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Posts: 1,880
Another brilliant report, SFO 777!
Thank you so much for sharing it almost in real time, as always.
Too bad your return flight was old F but I guess you enjoyed it nonetheless...
Thank you so much for sharing it almost in real time, as always.
Too bad your return flight was old F but I guess you enjoyed it nonetheless...
Jul 23, 2013 | 3:43 pm
#128
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SFO777,
I'm glad you were able to walk along the Planty at night. I think it looks prettier at night with the lamp posts illuminated. Always a nice stroll (it reminds me of the Burgring in Vienna). I was there once, and someone had tied a horse to a tree on the grass area next to street. At first it looked fake, being at night, then someone went up to it and gave it an apple.
When you were on the hotel rooftop bar, and you look up the river to where that hot air balloon was. You'll see a building next to the river that is draped in a banner. That used to be the "premier" hotel in the communist era. But it is the ugliest concrete monstrosity. I normally stay at the HI Garden Inn across the street from it. And it is such an eyesore from what would otherwise be a wonderful hotel window view.
I'm glad you were able to walk along the Planty at night. I think it looks prettier at night with the lamp posts illuminated. Always a nice stroll (it reminds me of the Burgring in Vienna). I was there once, and someone had tied a horse to a tree on the grass area next to street. At first it looked fake, being at night, then someone went up to it and gave it an apple.
When you were on the hotel rooftop bar, and you look up the river to where that hot air balloon was. You'll see a building next to the river that is draped in a banner. That used to be the "premier" hotel in the communist era. But it is the ugliest concrete monstrosity. I normally stay at the HI Garden Inn across the street from it. And it is such an eyesore from what would otherwise be a wonderful hotel window view.
And how did you like the "snack food carousel" in Kazimierz? I still haven't visited each snack window yet. You can get a plate of about a dozen pierogis for $2. And the Zapiekanki choices are quite extensive. And it gets quite crowded there late at night when the partygoers start getting the munchies. But one thing I've noticed, is that the native population likes to squirt "sos" on top of them. Which is either mayonaise or ketchup. I always decline. They do the same thing in Wroclaw. However, they tend to call them tostinis more than zapiekanki. Regardless of the name, they're still a great, and cheap, snack.
What a phenomenal report, SFO! I really enjoyed this. It was almost like being there on vacation with you. I've never been to Poland, but this makes me want to go. The food looked delicious, and the sites looked excellent. The places you visited seemed so clean and colorful! Thanks for posting this.
Lovely TR, amazing photos and that you are trying out the local food etc
Nice reminder about Zapiekanki, brings back memories when I used to visit Poland as a kid, dirt cheap and western music blasting from the speakers
Is Poland becoming a popular destinations for Americans and is the connection such as family or friends the main reason?
Nice reminder about Zapiekanki, brings back memories when I used to visit Poland as a kid, dirt cheap and western music blasting from the speakers
Is Poland becoming a popular destinations for Americans and is the connection such as family or friends the main reason?
Despite the weather, you seem to have picked just the right combination of indoor activities to stay out of it. Good you found the underground museum, too. I quite like it as an intro to the city history.
And Wieliczka. Obviously a good choice! But I'm really surprised at the nice new lifts. Those seem a very big improvement (in comfort) over the old miner-vintage lifts where you all had to cram in to just get the door closed.
We also happened to wander up to the Sheraton rooftop bar this weekend after seeing your pictures, just on the off chance it was open to non-guests (which it is). Beer choices aside, the views are that spectacular, although your photos do make them look even better.
And Wieliczka. Obviously a good choice! But I'm really surprised at the nice new lifts. Those seem a very big improvement (in comfort) over the old miner-vintage lifts where you all had to cram in to just get the door closed.
We also happened to wander up to the Sheraton rooftop bar this weekend after seeing your pictures, just on the off chance it was open to non-guests (which it is). Beer choices aside, the views are that spectacular, although your photos do make them look even better.
LOL. I even got that one.
Glad you got a chance to check out Kazimierz. And exactly the right place for Zapiekanki (Plac Nowy, I mean. I don't really have a favourite Zapiekanki place lately). But that building is well-known by the locals to have the best Zapiekanki in town... apparently the best in all of Poland. Re: "sos", though, I'm quite a bit biased toward garlic myself, which means I don't even know how any of the others are!
And the Beer Gallery on Warszauera! Too bad we couldn't sort that out, but there's always another time, I'm sure.
Eagerly awaiting your return flight report now, but I'm glad you managed to hit the main sights in Krakw and seems like you enjoyed yourselves!.
And the Beer Gallery on Warszauera! Too bad we couldn't sort that out, but there's always another time, I'm sure.
Eagerly awaiting your return flight report now, but I'm glad you managed to hit the main sights in Krakw and seems like you enjoyed yourselves!.
Suspect there are lots of Poles all over the world. Not sure if it's still true, but I read that there were/are more Poles living in Chicago that any other city including Warsaw.
Jul 23, 2013 | 3:49 pm
#129
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Thanks so much glennaa11.
How true about FRA. Bloody mess indeed. But I think I finally figured it out. Just exit and head for the FCT.
Yeah, well Mrs. SFO says no to the retirement thing.
Thank you JohnRain. Will post the return in the next day, but I have to say that old First was still great. Hadn't experienced old First for nearly a couple of years but I actually feel that the old F seat is more comfortable for sitting and relaxing. I worked (and ate and drank) most of the way back so didn't need the bed but it was great to have the extra seat to spill over into. Plus, WiFi worked great the entire way back.
Thanks so much Petrus.
Yeah, well Mrs. SFO says no to the retirement thing.
Thanks so much Petrus.
Jul 23, 2013 | 9:24 pm
#130
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FRA-DEN
Lufthansa 446
747-400 (Old First)
WiFi
1:40P-3:45P
July 17, 2013
Booked 3/8
Departed 8/8
Seats 83CH
No equipment swap today, so we're stuck with old First. It's been 18 months since our last old First, and in the end, ignoring the IFE, it's really not that bad. IMO, the old seats are actually more comfortable if you are going to sit, work, recline and/or relax. Kind of like an old shoe. And two of them is great to spill over into. Less than an hour before departure, the flight was still showing only one other pax. But an apparent oversell situation downstairs resulted in 5 lucky OpUps.
An on time take off and we are on our way home.
As our terrific FAs begin another wonderful 9 hours of service. 19.95 Euros and I'm online for the next 8+ hours.
Today's amuse bouche. No idea what it was. Hope they take this one out of the rotation.
Today's menu.
Lufthansa 446
747-400 (Old First)
WiFi
1:40P-3:45P
July 17, 2013
Booked 3/8
Departed 8/8
Seats 83CH
No equipment swap today, so we're stuck with old First. It's been 18 months since our last old First, and in the end, ignoring the IFE, it's really not that bad. IMO, the old seats are actually more comfortable if you are going to sit, work, recline and/or relax. Kind of like an old shoe. And two of them is great to spill over into. Less than an hour before departure, the flight was still showing only one other pax. But an apparent oversell situation downstairs resulted in 5 lucky OpUps.
An on time take off and we are on our way home.
As our terrific FAs begin another wonderful 9 hours of service. 19.95 Euros and I'm online for the next 8+ hours.
Today's amuse bouche. No idea what it was. Hope they take this one out of the rotation.
Today's menu.
Jul 23, 2013 | 9:26 pm
#131
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As with most return trips, I started to tone down the gluttony ever so slightly. I passed on the caviar today.
The starter cart.
I only had the Green Pea Mousse on Buffalo Mozzarella and the Seasonal Green Salad.
For the main, Mrs. SFO chose the Breast of corn-fed Poulard aka chicken which she said was great.
I had the Sole in Lemon Sauce filled with Lobster... delicious
Our cheese cart.
And port.
And dessert, the wonderful Black Forest Cake "Joachim Wiesler" with chocolate and licorice sauce.
And a little after dinner drink and bon-bons.
The starter cart.
I only had the Green Pea Mousse on Buffalo Mozzarella and the Seasonal Green Salad.
For the main, Mrs. SFO chose the Breast of corn-fed Poulard aka chicken which she said was great.
I had the Sole in Lemon Sauce filled with Lobster... delicious
Our cheese cart.
And port.
And dessert, the wonderful Black Forest Cake "Joachim Wiesler" with chocolate and licorice sauce.
And a little after dinner drink and bon-bons.
Last edited by SFO777; Jul 24, 2013 at 2:33 pm Reason: typo typo
Jul 23, 2013 | 9:27 pm
#132
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While Mrs. SFO slept, I downloaded and edited pics and worked on the TR. WiFi service was great throughout the entire flight.
At about T-120, our FAs started the second meal service, featuring Oriental Cuisine.
One more beer on this trip. Have go say that I enjoyed the Polish beers more.
And one more dessert, the Pistachio Tart.
After another wonderful Lufthansa flight with flawless service, we touched down 5 minutes early and pulled into gate A41/43 on time at 3:45p. We really enjoyed our first visit to Poland and look forward to going back again. Thanks everyone for following our trip and for all of your kind comments.
At about T-120, our FAs started the second meal service, featuring Oriental Cuisine.
One more beer on this trip. Have go say that I enjoyed the Polish beers more.
And one more dessert, the Pistachio Tart.
After another wonderful Lufthansa flight with flawless service, we touched down 5 minutes early and pulled into gate A41/43 on time at 3:45p. We really enjoyed our first visit to Poland and look forward to going back again. Thanks everyone for following our trip and for all of your kind comments.
Jul 24, 2013 | 4:17 am
#135
Join Date: May 2012
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Gold
Posts: 151
SFO777
Great trip report. I'm pretty sure the amuse bouche on your return was called "Surf & Turf". I had the same menu for first serving on Monday's FRA-BKK flight. When I asked the flight attendant what exactly Surf & Turf is, her reply was "I don't really know". Hopefully they do take it out of rotation.
Great trip report. I'm pretty sure the amuse bouche on your return was called "Surf & Turf". I had the same menu for first serving on Monday's FRA-BKK flight. When I asked the flight attendant what exactly Surf & Turf is, her reply was "I don't really know". Hopefully they do take it out of rotation.